Short-Term Effects of an Anti-Inflammatory Treatment on Clinical Parameters and Serum Levels of C-Reactive Protein and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Subjects With Periodontitis

Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue with 4-0 silk sutures in periodontal flap closure and wound healing - A split mouth randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Fibrin glue has shown to be a pioneering remedy to overcome the inconvenience of suturing. Autologous products reduce the risk of contamination and immunological responses compared to commercial fibrin glue. Hence using autologous fibrin glue (AFG) as a tissue sealant in periodontal flap closure would be of added value for a predictable outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of AFG with 4-0 silk sutures in periodontal flap closure and healing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Total of 17 patients diagnosed with generalized periodontitis in the age group of 18 to 60 years with probing pocket depth of ≥ 6 mm and clinical attachment level of ≥5 mm in at least two quadrants were categorized into test group (AFG) and control group (4-0 silk sutures). Primary outcome measures [modified gingival index (MGI), early wound index (EHI) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and secondary outcome measures (oral hygiene index, plaque index and visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks.

RESULTS

A statistically significant reduction of IL-1ß value (p =.005); MGI (p = .02); EHI (p = .004), VAS scores (p < .001) and a positive Spearman's correlation (rho = 0.15) was seen between EHI scores & IL-1ß levels in test group at 1week period in comparison to control group.

CONCLUSION

AFG showed promising results as an alternative to sutures. The use of AFG significantly improved clinical parameters and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines making it an effective adhesive with healing properties in the era of suture-less periodontal flap surgery.

Growth differentiation factor-15 and circulating biomarkers as predictors of periodontal treatment effects in patients with periodontitis: a randomized-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

During the last decades, in patients with periodontitis, periodontal treatment has been shown to reduce the potential release of local and systemic biomarkers linked to an early risk of systemic inflammatory disorders. This study evaluated the efficacy of non-surgical-periodontal treatment (NSPT) on growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and related circulating biomarkers such as glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1), c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and surfactant protein D (SP-D) in periodontal patients and explored whether subjects who had high GDF-15 levels at baseline showed increased clinical benefits following NSPT at 6-months follow-up.

METHODS

For this two-arm, parallel randomized clinical trial, patients with periodontitis were randomly allocated to receive quadrant scaling and root-planing (Q-SRP, n = 23, median age 51 years old) or full-mouth disinfection (FMD, n = 23, median age 50 years old) treatment. Clinical and periodontal parameters were recorded in all enrolled patients. The primary outcome was to analyse serum concentrations changes of GDF-15 and of GPx-1, hs-CRP, and SP-D at baseline and at 30, 90, and 180-days follow-up after NSPT through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nephelometric assay techniques.

RESULTS

In comparison with FMD, patients of the Q-SRP group showed a significant improvement in clinical periodontal parameters (p < 0.05) and a reduction in the mean levels of GDF-15 (p = 0.005), hs-CRP (p < 0.001), and SP-D (p = 0.042) and an increase of GPx-1 (p = 0.025) concentrations after 6 months of treatment. At 6 months of treatment, there was a significant association between several periodontal parameters and the mean concentrations of GDF-15, GPx-1, hs-CRP, and SP-D (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Finally, the ANOVA analysis revealed that, at 6 months after treatment, the Q-SRP treatment significantly impacted the reduction of GDF-15 (p = 0.015), SP-D (p = 0.026) and the upregulation of GPx-1 (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

The results evidenced that, after 6 months of treatment, both NSPT protocols improved the periodontal parameters and analyzed biomarkers, but Q-SRP was more efficacious than the FMD approach. Moreover, patients who presented high baseline GDF-15 and SP-D levels benefited more from NSPT at 6-month follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05720481.

Role of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on leptin levels and total antioxidant capacity in chronic generalised periodontitis patients - A clinical trial

Introduction

Periodontitis causes oxidative stress and reduce total antioxidant levels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on leptin levels and total antioxidant capacity in chronic periodontitis.

Materials and methods

A total of 35 chronic periodontitis (ChP) patients and 35 systemically and periodontal healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Further, the ChP group received nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Leptin and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) was measured in serum and saliva samples at baseline, 3 months and 6 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Clinical parameters measured were measured at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months interval.

Results

The mean serum leptin and TAOC levels in control group were significantly higher compared to chronic periodontitis group (p < 0.05). The control group had lower mean salivary leptin levels and higher mean salivary TAOC levels as compared to periodontitis group(p < 0.05). Clinical parameters were improved in ChP group post therapy (p < 0.05). However, the periodontal treatment showed insignificant changes in serum and salivary leptin and TAOC levels.

Conclusion

Chronic periodontitis is significantly associated with serum and salivary TAOC and leptin levels. Non surgical periodontal therapy didn't alter the local and systemic TAOC and leptin levels.

Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Dipyridamole in COVID-19 Patients

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 pandemic is caused by coronavirus also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The viral infection continues to impact the globe with no vaccine to prevent the infection or highly effective therapeutics to treat the millions of infected people around the world. The disease starts as a respiratory infection, yet it may also be associated with a hypercoagulable state, severe inflammation owing to excessive cytokines production, and a potentially significant oxidative stress. The disease may progress to multiorgan failure and eventually death.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, we summarize the potential of dipyridamole as an adjunct therapy for COVID-19.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature describing the biological activities of dipyridamole in various settings of testing. Data were retrieved from PubMed, SciFinder-CAS, and Web of Science. The review concisely covered relevant studies starting from 1977.

RESULTS

Dipyridamole is an approved antiplatelet drug, that has been used to prevent stroke, among other indications. Besides its antithrombotic activity, the literature indicates that dipyridamole also promotes a host of other biological activities including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant ones.

CONCLUSION

Dipyridamole may substantially help improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 treatment. The pharmacokinetics profile of the drug is well established which makes it easier to design an appropriate therapeutic course. The drug is also generally safe, affordable, and available worldwide. Initial clinical trials have shown a substantial promise for dipyridamole in treating critically ill COVID-19 patients, yet larger randomized and controlled trials are needed to confirm this promise.

A review of T helper 17 cell-related cytokines in serum and saliva in periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex underlying immunopathology. Cytokines, as molecular mediators of inflammation, play a role in all stages of disease progression. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are thought to play a role in periodontitis. Th17 cell development and maintenance requires a pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, with many of the cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Serum and saliva are easily accessible biofluids which can represent the systemic and local environment to promote the development of Th17 cells. Here we review human clinical studies that investigate IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, IFN-γ, sCD40L and TNF-α in serum and saliva in periodontitis. We highlight their putative role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and place them within a wider context of animal and other clinical studies.

Delivering Benefits at Speed Through Real-World Repurposing of Off-Patent Drugs: The COVID-19 Pandemic as a Case in Point

Real-world drug repurposing-the immediate "off-label" prescribing of drugs to address urgent clinical needs-is a widely overlooked opportunity. Off-label prescribing (ie, for a nonapproved indication) is legal in most countries and tends to shift the burden of liability and cost to physicians and patients, respectively. Nevertheless, health crises may mean that real-world repurposing is the only realistic source for solutions. Optimal real-world repurposing requires a track record of safety, affordability, and access for drug candidates. Although thousands of such drugs are already available, there is no central repository of off-label uses to facilitate immediate identification and selection of potentially useful interventions during public health crises. Using the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as an example, we provide a glimpse of the extensive literature that supports the rationale behind six generic drugs, in four classes, all of which are affordable, supported by decades of safety data, and targeted toward the underlying pathophysiology that makes COVID-19 so deadly. This paper briefly summarizes why cimetidine or famotidine, dipyridamole, fenofibrate or bezafibrate, and sildenafil citrate are worth considering for patients with COVID-19. Clinical trials to assess efficacy are already underway for famotidine, dipyridamole, and sildenafil, and further trials of all these agents will be important in due course. These examples also reveal the unlimited opportunity to future-proof our health care systems by proactively mining, synthesizing, cataloging, and evaluating the off-label treatment opportunities of thousands of safe, well-established, and affordable generic drugs.

No Time to Waste: Real-World Repurposing of Generic Drugs as a Multifaceted Strategy Against COVID-19

Real-world drug repurposing-the immediate "off-label" prescribing of drugs to address urgent clinical needs-is an indispensable strategy gaining rapid traction in the current COVID-19 crisis. Although off-label prescribing (ie, for a nonapproved indication) is legal in most countries, it tends to shift the burden of liability and cost to physicians and patients, respectively. Nevertheless, in urgent public health crises, it is often the only realistic source of a meaningful potential solution. To be considered for real-world repurposing, drug candidates should ideally have a track record of safety, affordability, and wide accessibility. Although thousands of such drugs are already available, the absence of a central repository of off-label uses presents a barrier to the immediate identification and selection of the safest, potentially useful interventions. Using the current COVID-19 pandemic as an example, we provide a glimpse at the extensive literature that supports the rationale behind six generic drugs, in four classes, all of which are affordable, supported by decades of safety data, and pleiotropically target the underlying pathophysiology that makes COVID-19 so dangerous. Having previously fast-tracked this paper to publication in summary form, we now expand on why cimetidine/famotidine (histamine type-2 receptor antagonists), dipyridamole (antiplatelet agent), fenofibrate/bezafibrate (cholesterol/triglyceride-lowering agents), and sildenafil (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor) are worth considering for patients with COVID-19 based on their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, renoprotective, cardioprotective, and anticoagulation properties. These examples also reveal the unlimited opportunity to future-proof public health by proactively mining, synthesizing, and cataloging the off-label treatment opportunities of thousands of safe, well-established, and affordable generic drugs.

Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, and hematological parameters in experimental periodontal disease after β-adrenergic blockade

BACKGROUND

Changes in the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) observed during periodontal disease were linked with vascular manifestations. Recent studies showed that the beta-blocker propranolol reduces the pathological parameters associated with certain molecules at sites of bone injury. Hence, in this study, we evaluated the activity of propranolol on hematological parameters and systemic concentrations of inflammatory proteins in a model of experimental periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Periodontal disease was induced in rats. After euthanasia, the number of inflammatory cells in each rat was quantified using histopathological assays. In addition, hematological parameters were quantitated using automated analysers, cytokine levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and CRP levels were determined using a high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetric assay.

RESULTS

Low doses of propranolol suppressed the systemic production of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6; however, the hematological parameters were not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

β-adrenergic activation indirectly contributes to the pattern of systemic inflammatory molecules observed in periodontal disease. These molecules may initiate cardiovascular diseases as a consequence of periodontitis.

Salivary and serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as biomarkers of periodontitis in United States veterans with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Serum procalcitonin (ProCT) is elevated in response to bacterial infections, whereas high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a nonspecific inflammatory marker that is increased by excess adipose tissue. We examined the efficacy of ProCT and hsCRP as biomarkers of periodontitis in the saliva and serum of patients with arthritis, which is characterized by variable levels of systemic inflammation that potentially can confound the interpretation of inflammatory biomarkers. Blood and unstimulated whole saliva were collected from 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 50 with osteoarthritis (OA). Periodontal status was assessed by full mouth examination and patients were categorized as having no/mild, moderate or severe periodontitis by standard parameters. Salivary and serum ProCT and hsCRP concentrations were compared. BMI, diabetes, anti-inflammatory medications and smoking status were ascertained from the patient records. Differences between OA and RA in proportionate numbers of patients were compared for race, gender, diabetes, adiposity and smoking status. Serum ProCT was significantly higher in arthritis patients with moderate to severe and severe periodontitis compared with no/mild periodontitis patients. There were no significant differences in salivary ProCT or salivary or serum hsCRP in RA patients related to periodontitis category. Most of the OA and RA patients were middle aged or older, 28.9% were diabetic, 78.3% were overweight or obese, and slightly more than half were either current or past smokers. The OA and RA groups differed by race, but not gender; blacks and males were predominant in both groups. The OA and RA groups did not differ in terms of controlled or uncontrolled diabetes, smoking status or BMI. The RA patients had been prescribed more anti-inflammatory medication than the OA patients. Our results demonstrate that circulating ProCT is a more discriminative biomarker for periodontitis than serum hsCRP in patients with underlying arthritis. Any elevation in salivary and serum hsCRP due to periodontitis apparently was overshadowed by differences among these patients in factors that influence CRP, such as the extent of inflammation between RA and OA, the extent of adipose tissue, the use of anti- inflammatory medications and smoking status. Although our study showed no differences in salivary ProCT related to severity of periodontitis, this biomarker also may be useful with further refinement.

Identical mitochondrial somatic mutations unique to chronic periodontitis and coronary artery disease

Context:

The inflammatory processes involved in chronic periodontitis and coronary artery diseases (CADs) are similar and produce reactive oxygen species that may result in similar somatic mutations in mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA).

Aims:

The aims of the present study were to identify somatic mtDNA mutations in periodontal and cardiac tissues from subjects undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and determine what fraction was identical and unique to these tissues.

Settings and Design:

The study population consisted of 30 chronic periodontitis subjects who underwent coronary artery surgery after an angiogram had indicated CAD.

Materials and Methods:

Gingival tissue samples were taken from the site with deepest probing depth; coronary artery tissue samples were taken during the coronary artery bypass grafting procedures, and blood samples were drawn during this surgical procedure. These samples were stored under aseptic conditions and later transported for mtDNA analysis.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Complete mtDNA sequences were obtained and aligned with the revised Cambridge reference sequence (NC_012920) using sequence analysis and auto assembler tools.

Results:

Among the complete mtDNA sequences, a total of 162 variations were spread across the whole mitochondrial genome and present only in the coronary artery and the gingival tissue samples but not in the blood samples. Among the 162 variations, 12 were novel and four of the 12 novel variations were found in mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 complex I gene (33.3%).

Conclusions:

Analysis of mtDNA mutations indicated 162 variants unique to periodontitis and CAD. Of these, 12 were novel and may have resulted from destructive oxidative forces common to these two diseases.

Interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab ameliorates periodontal inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis as well as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) may play a pathological role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis. Although the efficacy of medication with IL-6 receptor inhibitor, tocilizumab (TCZ), has been demonstrated in the treatment of RA, very little is known about whether TCZ therapy affects periodontitis. The aim of the present study is to compare periodontal condition in patients with RA and periodontitis before and after TCZ therapy. The study participants consisted of 20 patients with RA and periodontitis who were treated with TCZ and 40 patients with RA and periodontitis who received medication with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFI). Clinical periodontal and rheumatologic assessments and serum biochemical measurements using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed at baseline and 3 and 6 months later. TCZ and TNFI therapies significantly reduced periodontal inflammation that was determined by gingival index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth (p < 0.017), although plaque levels were comparable before and after the therapies. Both therapies also significantly decreased disease activity score including 28 joints using C-reactive protein (CRP), number of tender and swollen joints, and serum levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, rheumatoid factor, CRP, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (p < 0.017). Additionally, a significant decrease was observed in periodontal clinical attachment level after TCZ therapy (p < 0.017), but not after TNFI therapy. TCZ therapy significantly decreased serum levels of TNF-α, total immunoglobulin G, and serum amyloid A (p < 0.017), although serum levels of IL-6 and soluble IL-6R were significantly increased (p < 0.017). These results suggest a beneficial effect of TCZ therapy on levels of periodontal inflammation in patients with RA and periodontitis, which might be related to decrease in serum inflammatory mediators.

A bidirectional relationship of oral-systemic responses: observations of systemic host responses in patients after full-mouth extractions

OBJECTIVE

This investigation tested the hypothesis that systemic inflammatory responses would be attenuated by minimizing the oral microbial burden in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients (n = 73) scheduled for full-mouth extractions were categorized as case type I/II (gingivitis/mild periodontitis) or case type III/IV (moderate/severe periodontitis). Serum levels of acute phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody were assessed at baseline and through 1 year after extraction.

RESULTS

At baseline, the levels of multiple APPs (e.g., fibrinogen, C-reactive protein) and antibodies to periodontal pathogens were significantly higher with case type III/IV vs I/II. These differences were sustained 12 months after extractions for most APPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated that removal of disease by full-mouth extraction of teeth altered the overall burden of challenge to the host. Continued elevation in various APPs in the III/IV group suggested a potential underlying constitutive difference in systemic response characteristics of this population.

Discontinued drugs for pulmonary, allergy, gastrointestinal, arthritis (2012)

INTRODUCTION

Various compounds are developed to interfere with pathogenic pathways involved in inflammation processes. Some of them are able to enter the clinical development for different diseases with a common pathogenic denominator such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), based on the preclinical evidence, but not all these molecules prove to be efficacious while tested in different phases of clinical development.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses about the drugs that were discontinued from further development for pulmonary, allergy, gastrointestinal and arthritis diseases

EXPERT OPINION

Most of the drugs discontinued during 2012 were compounds with anti-inflammatory activity which were mostly designed to treat arthritis/rheumatoid arthritis. Some of these molecules were also intended for COPD. Many of them failed the late phases of the clinical development.

Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Some Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Biochemical Study

Introduction

Chronic periodontitis is the inflammatory disease of the periodontium; the tissue that surround and support the teeth. The aim of the study was to estimate and compare some biochemical oxidative stress markers in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls and to assess the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on these parameters.

Materials and methods

Eighty-two chronic periodontitis patients and 120 healthy controls were recruited for the study. The periodontal status was evaluated using gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The biochemical parameters estimated were total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), antioxidant enzymes RBC-superoxide dismutase (RBC-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamin C, malondialdehyde (MDA) and Creactive protein (CRP) were also evaluated. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing; SRP) was performed on chronic periodontitis patients and a follow-up was done after 3 months.

Results

The study suggests that oxidative stress is induced in chronic periodontitis, as the levels of CRP, MDA and RBC-SOD were significantly higher (p < 0.001) and those of TAOC, GPx and vitamin C were significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls at baseline. SRP therapy significantly improved the clinical and biochemical oxidative stress markers in periodontitis patients.

Conclusion

Chronic periodontitis patients show higher inflammatory manifestations and oxidative stress. SRP therapy helps in lowering inflammatory burden and improving systemic oxidant: Antioxidant imbalance. The SRP therapy may be a useful support in the control and prevention of various inflammatory diseases associated with periodontitis.

How to cite this article

Aziz AS, Kalekar MG, Benjamin T, Suryakar AN, Prakashan MM, Bijle MNA. Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Some Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Biochemical Study. World J Dent 2013;4(1):17-23.

Biochemical analysis of pentraxin 3 and fibrinogen levels in experimental periodontitis model

Objective. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), newly discovered inflammation marker, is a member of acute-phase proteins. The hypothesis, synthesis of gingival tissue and serum PTX-3 increases in the experimental periodontitis model (with 10-day and 40-day periods), was tested by detecting gingival tissue and serum PTX-3 levels in rats with experimental periodontitis. Methods. Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups of ten animals each: ligature-induced experimental periodontitis groups (with 10-day (Group1) and 40-day periods (Group2)) and healthy group (Group3). At the end of experimental period, rats were sacrificed, and radiological and histomorphometric analyses were performed on the mandibles. PTX3 levels were measured in gingival tissue and serum samples using ELISA. Plasma fibrinogen levels were measured according to the nephelometric method. Results. Significant alveolar bone resorption and periodontal inflammation were evident in periodontitis groups. Levels of PTX3 in gingival tissue were statistically higher in Group 1 than those in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.01). No significant difference was found in serum PTX3 levels between experimental periodontitis and control groups (P > 0.05). Plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly increased in the experimental periodontitis groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion. PTX3 seems to be associated with tissue destruction in earlier periods of inflammatory periodontal disease, contrary to the fibrinogen findings.

Host-derived diagnostic markers related to soft tissue destruction and bone degradation in periodontitis

BACKGROUND

A major challenge in clinical periodontics is to find a reliable molecular marker of periodontal tissue destruction with high sensitivity, specificity and utility.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate available literature on 'the utility of molecular markers of soft and hard periodontal tissue destruction'.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the focused question, 'What is the utility of molecular markers of soft and hard periodontal tissue destruction', an electronic and manual search was conducted for human studies presenting clinical data for the potential of molecular markers of tissue destruction in biofluids; gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva, and serum.

RESULTS

Papers fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected. All relevant data from the selected papers were extracted and recorded in separate tables for molecules in GCF, saliva, and serum.

CONCLUSION

Within the defined limits of the Problem/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, the present analysis reveals that (a) no single or combination of markers exists that can disclose periodontal tissue destruction adequately; (b) while the most fruitful source of biomarkers for periodontal destruction appears to be in molecules tightly related to bone and soft tissue destruction, this remains to be objectively demonstrated. Currently, clinical measurements are still the most reliable.

Effects of C-reactive protein on CC chemokine receptor 2-mediated chemotaxis of monocytes

Periodontal infections can increase patients' serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, which is a predictive marker of future cardiovascular events. Serum CRP may be a key mediator associating periodontitis with cardiovascular disease. It is not yet clarified whether the chemotactic activity of monocytes changes with increased serum CRP. This study investigated the influence of CRP on monocyte chemotaxis and the effects of CRP on CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) expression by monocytes in vitro. Monocyte cell line THP-1 was cultured with human recombinant CRP of different final concentrations, which were 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/L, respectively. After 24 h incubation, Transwell chambers were applied to analyze the chemotactic activity of pretreated monocytes. Flow cytometry analysis and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were applied to detect the CCR2 protein and gene expression levels. In Transwell chambers, more cells were attracted in CRP-pretreated groups than that of blank control with no CRP (p<0.05). The chemotaxis activity was stronger in higher CRP concentration groups than lower ones (p<0.05). The CCR2 protein and mRNA expression was increased in a CRP concentration-dependent manner (p<0.05). CRP stimulation may induce CCR2 overexpression on monocytes and then promote the chemotaxis ability of monocytes. This result suggests that increased serum CRP concentration of periodontitis patients may be associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Glucocorticoids and cardiovascular risk factors

Glucocorticoids remain a valuable and necessary component of therapy for many diseases. Nonetheless, sustained glucocorticoid treatment increases potential for future cardiovascular disease through multiple pathways, resulting in a tradeoff between benefit and harm. This article explores the potential mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Interactions between glucocorticoids and other potential cardiovascular risk factors are also reviewed. Safe, alternate strategies for minimizing the need for glucocorticoids are urgently needed.

Periodontitis and blood pressure: the concept of dental hypertension

Chronic periodontitis is a common inflammatory disorder that is being contemplated as a risk factor for atherosclerotic complications. Current epidemiological evidence also supports its potential association with increases in blood pressure levels and hypertension prevalence. Furthermore, data from cross-sectional studies suggest that in hypertensive subjects periodontitis may enhance the risk and degree of target organ damage. A possible pathogenetic background of an effect of periodontitis on blood pressure should include the systemic generalization of the local oral inflammation, the role of the host immune response, the direct microbial effect on the vascular system and alterations in endothelial function. Inversely, the concept of hypertension unfavorably affecting periodontal tissues cannot be excluded. The two conditions share multiple common risk factors that should be readily controlled for when assessing a possible association. Thoroughly designed prospective and interventional trials are needed in order to determine the impact of periodontitis on blood pressure regulation and incident hypertension and its integration in the clinical approach of both dental and hypertensive patients.

Saliva/pathogen biomarker signatures and periodontal disease progression

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of saliva-derived biomarkers and periodontal pathogens during periodontal disease progression (PDP). One hundred human participants were recruited into a 12-month investigation. They were seen bi-monthly for saliva and clinical measures and bi-annually for subtraction radiography, serum and plaque biofilm assessments. Saliva and serum were analyzed with protein arrays for 14 pro-inflammatory and bone turnover markers, while qPCR was used for detection of biofilm. A hierarchical clustering algorithm was used to group study participants based on clinical, microbiological, salivary/serum biomarkers, and PDP. Eighty-three individuals completed the six-month monitoring phase, with 39 [corrected] exhibiting PDP, while 44 [corrected] demonstrated stability. Participants assembled into three clusters based on periodontal pathogens, serum and salivary biomarkers. Cluster 1 members displayed high salivary biomarkers and biofilm; 71% [corrected] of these individuals were undergoing PDP. Cluster 2 members displayed low biofilm and biomarker levels; 76% [corrected] of these individuals were stable. Cluster 3 members were not discriminated by PDP status; however, cluster stratification followed groups 1 and 2 based on thresholds of salivary biomarkers and biofilm pathogens. The association of cluster membership to PDP was highly significant (p < 0.0007). [corrected] The use of salivary and biofilm biomarkers offers potential for the identification of PDP or stability (ClinicalTrials.gov number, CT00277745).

Influence of dipyridamole and its combination with NO donor or NO synthase inhibitor on adjuvant arthritis

The anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of dipyridamole and the possible involvement of NO in the dipyridamole action are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dipyridamole alone and in combination with either the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or the non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NG- monomethyl arginine (L-NMMA), on pathogenesis of adjuvant-induced arthritis model in rats. The results of the present work showed that prophylactic administration of dipyridamole alone and dipyridamole administration in combination with either low dose of SNP or L-NMMA significantly ameliorated pathogenesis of adjuvant arthritis in rats as evidenced by significant decrease in arthritis index, hind paws volume, loss of body weight, hyperalgesia compared with control vehicle (1% DMSO) treated adjuvant arthritic rats. Inflammatory cellular infiltrate in synovium of ankle joint and pannus formation were also markedly inhibited. Interleukin-10(IL-10) levels were significantly increased in these groups of animals. In contrast, a high dose of SNP counteracted the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of dipyridamole. The inhibitory effect of therapeutic administration of dipyridamole alone on adjuvant arthritis syndrome was not significantly different from that of vehicle administration. In conclusion, dipyridamole has prophylactic but not therapeutic anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects that appear to be dependent on inhibition of NO synthase. A synergistic combination between dipyridamole and NO synthase inhibitor or low dose of NO donor may have prophylactic and therapeutic values in autoimmune diseases like RA.

Design, Operation, and Interpretation of Clinical Trials

Randomized controlled clinical trials offer the best evidence for changing clinical practice and informing public health policy. Using examples from the literature, this paper reviews clinical trials for those who may be unfamiliar with their design, operation, and interpretation. In the design of a clinical trial, the question to be answered and a clinically meaningful outcome must be clearly defined. Ethics must be considered, sample size carefully estimated, and use of biomarkers and surrogate outcomes understood. Prominent issues in trial implementation include developing a manual of operations, trial registration, subject recruitment and retention, use of a data coordinating center, and data and safety monitoring. Interpretation of clinical trials requires understanding differences between efficacy and effectiveness; superiority, equivalence, and non-inferiority; intent-to-treat; primary and secondary analyses; and limitations of unregistered small clinical trials compared with large multi-center Phase III trials that are more likely to be representative of a population and change clinical practice or public health policy.

Lipoproteins and lipoprotein metabolism in periodontal disease

A growing body of evidence indicates that the incidence of atherosclerosis is increased in subjects with periodontitis - a chronic infection of the oral cavity. This article summarizes the evidence that suggests periodontitis shifts the lipoprotein profile to be more proatherogenic. LDL-C is elevated in periodontitis and most studies indicate that triglyceride levels are also increased. By contrast, antiatherogenic HDL tends to be low in periodontitis. Periodontal therapy tends to shift lipoprotein levels to a healthier profile and also reduces subclinical indices of atherosclerosis. In summary, periodontal disease alters lipoprotein metabolism in ways that could promote atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Association of periodontitis with rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis: Novel paradigms in etiopathogeneses and management?

There is increasing documentation of a link between inflammatory periodontal disease affecting the supporting structure of teeth, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary artery disease. Periodontitis is initiated predominantly by Gram-negative bacteria and progresses as a consequence of the host inflammatory response to periodontal pathogens. Lipopolysaccharide, a cell wall constituent stimulates the production of inflammatory cytokines via the activation of signaling pathways perpetuating inflammatory pathogenesis in a cyclical manner in susceptible individuals; with an element of autoimmune stimulation, not dissimilar to the sequential events seen in RA. Periodontitis, also implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, promotes mechanisms for atherosclerosis by enhancing an imbalance in systemic inflammatory mediators; more direct mechanisms attributed to microbial products are also implicated in both RA and atherogenesis. Severe periodontal disease characterized by clinical and radiographic parameters has been associated with ischemic stroke risk, significant levels of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A, amongst others common to both periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Existing data supports the hypothesis that persistent localized infection in periodontitis may influence systemic levels of inflammatory markers and pose a risk for RA and atherosclerosis. A common nucleus of activity in their pathogeneses provides novel paradigms of therapeutic targeting for reciprocal benefit.